NGO holds art, cultural events to inspire inmates, teenagers in Rivers

Elizabeth Charles-Dede, the creative director of Liz Initiative, has trained teenagers and inmates in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on how creative arts can drive social change.

Liz Initiative, in collaboration with Put A Smile, a non-profit organisation, organised the training as part of efforts to foster development through arts and cultural expression.

At separate events teenagers and inmates of Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre were engaged in painting, drawing, colouring, music and dance.

At the event that involved teenagers, participants danced to entertain the audience while showcasing dance as a form of emotional therapy for youths.

The top three performers at the event received cash prizes and colouring materials to boost their creative careers.

In another outing held in late April, hundreds of inmates were engaged in group cultural events, with the display of traditional outfits, dance, and drama, among others.

“As advocates for societal change, we had to engage the interests of the inmates in raising their awareness of cultural intelligence, excellence, and diversity for a social experiment,” Charles-Dede said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“The aim was to use creative art to drive cultural diversity in a confined space where people with challenges and personal struggles, hoping to be reintegrated back into society, could connect and not lose sight of their creative abilities.

“These and more were achieved as the event marked a significant turnout of inmates, close to 2,000 in the group, displaying their culture.

“The highlight of the event was gifting them some food items as well as some monetary reward in appreciation of their unique display of their culture.”

Dede noted that the teen event was the second edition of a programme that began in 2021 to inspire creative expression in young adults.

Charles-Dede, a United Kingdom (UK)-based Nigerian, added that her work draws from the belief that “art is life and culture is dynamic”.

“This programme served as a powerful platform for young teens and people in confined spaces to share their gifted talents, using art as a medium for storytelling to their audience through drawing, writing, dancing, and preservation of cultural heritage,” she said.

According to her, the project not only celebrates diversity but also promotes inclusion among aspiring artists, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.